So you're itching to get back into the wild world of Ark Survival Ascended, but you're facing a frustrating roadblock: you can't join a server. This is a common issue with many potential causes, ranging from simple connection problems to more complex server-side issues. Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get you back to taming dinosaurs and building bases in no time.
Common Reasons You Can't Join an Ark Survival Ascended Server
Before diving into solutions, let's identify some of the most frequent culprits behind this frustrating problem:
1. Network Connectivity Issues:
- Internet Connection Problems: This is the most obvious culprit. A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent you from connecting to the Ark server. Check your internet speed and stability using online speed tests. Restart your router and modem to resolve temporary glitches.
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Ark Survival Ascended from accessing the internet. Temporarily disable them to see if this solves the problem. If it does, configure your firewall and antivirus to allow Ark through.
- NAT Type: Your Network Address Translation (NAT) type can affect your ability to connect to online games. A strict NAT type often leads to connection issues. Consult your router's documentation or your internet service provider for assistance in improving your NAT type.
2. Server-Side Problems:
- Server Downtime: The server you're trying to join might be temporarily offline for maintenance or due to unexpected issues. Check the server's status page or community forums for updates.
- Server Full: If the server has reached its maximum player capacity, you won't be able to join. Try joining a different server or checking back later.
- Server-Specific Issues: Sometimes, a particular server might experience technical problems unrelated to your connection. Contact the server administrator for assistance.
3. Game-Specific Issues:
- Outdated Game Client: An outdated game version can lead to incompatibility with the server. Ensure you have the latest version of Ark Survival Ascended installed. Steam will usually update automatically, but manually checking for updates is always a good idea.
- Game Files Corruption: Corrupted game files can interfere with the game's ability to connect to servers. Verifying the integrity of your game files (through Steam, for example) can often resolve this.
- Mods and DLC: Incompatible mods or missing DLC can cause connection problems. If you're using mods, make sure they're compatible with both the game version and the server you're trying to join. Similarly, ensure you have all the required DLC installed.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Here's a systematic approach to resolving your connection issues:
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Restart Everything: Begin by restarting your computer, router, and modem. This often resolves temporary network glitches.
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Check Your Internet Connection: Run a speed test and ensure you have a stable connection.
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Check Server Status: See if the server you're trying to join is online and not full.
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Update Ark Survival Ascended: Make sure your game client is up-to-date.
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Verify Game Files: Use the Steam client (or your game launcher) to verify the integrity of your game files.
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Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are blocking the game. If this resolves the problem, configure them to allow Ark Survival Ascended through.
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Port Forwarding: If you're still having problems, you might need to forward the necessary ports on your router. The specific ports Ark uses may vary depending on the server, but you can usually find this information on the server's website or community forums.
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Reinstall Ark: As a last resort, consider reinstalling Ark Survival Ascended. This can sometimes resolve issues caused by corrupted game files.
Seeking Further Assistance:
If you've tried all these steps and are still unable to join a server, consider seeking help from the Ark Survival Ascended community. Online forums and the official Ark website often have dedicated sections for troubleshooting and support. You may find others experiencing similar issues or helpful solutions from experienced players. Providing details about the specific error messages you're encountering will greatly aid in getting targeted support.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue preventing you from joining your preferred Ark Survival Ascended server, getting you back to the exciting gameplay. Remember to always be patient and methodical in your troubleshooting approach.
